Many people who carry hepatitis C remain unaware

Free screenings available in KC through Aug. 28

People can carry the hepatitis C virus and not know it because the symptoms may not appear for decades.

A Kansas City hospital is making a big push to get more Kansas City residents screened for hepatitis C for free. The virus is a major cause of liver cancer.

Robin Dawson said she never considered herself to be high risk for hepatitis C, but she got the diagnosis when she applied for life insurance.

"It was a shock to find out. I had no idea I was at risk," she said. "Upon further research, I found anybody born before 1965 does have a risk because of blood transfusion procedures used then, and also because of the sterilization techniques they used."

Doctors have learned a lot about hepatitis C in recent years, including how to screen for it and how to treat it. They're also finding more than half the people who carry the disease don't know it.

The target group includes people like Dawson who were born between 1945-1965.

"Liver cancer is one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer we're seeing in the United States, and it's largely because we're seeing people with hepatitis C have the disease for 30-plus years developing cirrhosis and liver cancer," said Dr. Fredric Regenstein, a liver specialist at St. Luke's Medical Center.

The hospital is offering free hepatitis C screenings for the next few weeks. The tests, which are the only way to know for sure that someone has the virus, is especially important for people born between 1945-1965 who have never been screened. People who test positive will get a free phone consultation from a nurse.

Dawson said she completed aggressive treatment for hepatitis C and is now clear of the virus.

"I want to be sure I'm here for my kids and grandkids, and that I have a chance to lead a full, healthy life," she said. "A simple screening literally saved my life."

The screenings are available through Aug. 28 at any St. Luke's location in Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee's Summit or Leavenworth. To get more information or schedule a screening, call 816-932-5483.

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